The church I call home is a 93-year-old legacy church. The average worship attendee is well into their Baby Boomer years and has had to adapt a lot over their lifetime. As their families have moved away and the neighborhood changed, the one thing that has stayed constant is the local church.
With change comes the need for the church to help members stay connected. There are five practical ways in which I have personally seen my church transform from Sunday gatherings only to table fellowship that extends fellowship well into the week.
This connectional focus has led to deeper transformational and spiritual change inside the people I serve with weekly.
1. One Call System.
One Call is an incredible tool that enables the church to connect with members through voice, talk, text and email. We use the system for weather or significant emergencies, prayer needs or general announcements that need to be shared with the church before the next service time. With the system, you can single out small groups for notifications that do not need to go out to the larger church population.
2. QR Codes.
Recently, my local church installed QR codes on the back of pews and the worship bulletin to provide easy access to give an offering or to share information with a first-time visitor. QR codes are a non-threatening way to gather guests’ contact information or have them sign up for an event.
3. Email Newsletters.
At the end of each week, we send a weekly newsletter highlighting upcoming events, current projects and other announcements. Paid and free platforms are available for your church to create newsletters in order to keep members informed and help those unable to attend feel like they are a part of the church.
4. Social Media Groups.
Social media can be used for either good or evil purposes. Instead of lamenting the adverse effects, begin to see it as a tool that can be harnessed to connect people inside the church. Collaboration can occur through private social media pages, and a deeper faith walk can happen outside of just a few hours a week at the church. While the heart of the church is consistently winning souls on the outside, social media can be used to strengthen a faith-giver’s walk inside the church.
5. Instant Directory.
The newest tool we have deployed is an online directory that provides users with a pictorial guide for church members’ information that they have provided. From birthdays, anniversaries and more, this resource is a vital part of keeping folks connected through phone/text messages and personal notes that bring a familiar touch to a technology-driven world.
These five practical ways of using technology inside the church will enhance the existing community of fellowship and strengthen the relational bonds that come through a Christ-centered gathering if your church is willing to employ them to strengthen members’ bonds.